I recently changed my title from “group fitness instructor” to “group movement enthusiast”

The reasoning is simple. Whenever someone would ask me “what do you teach?” I would fumble.” I teach, cardio..kick box….core…smartbells….power ball..redefine…bosu..aquatic..intervals….etc.. I would try feverishly to explain what all those terms actually ment-until I would get frustrated and just give up.
So, hence the name, “group movement enthusiasts”, I simply enjoy body movement of all forms- oh and I snuk in the word “lifestyle” because I incorporate a bit of life and style into each and every one of my classes.

Why change the name NOW?
In order for you to understand, I need to reveal my story- or at least part of it.

I have been instructing fitness based classes since I was 22..I’m now 42- so its been a while, though to me it feels like yesterday!

Throughout that time period, up until last year-April 22, 2009, I felt like a fraud. To better understand what I mean, I’d like to relate it to a popular movie.
Do you know that girl who was on trial for allegedly killing her husband on Legally Blonde with Reese Witherspoon? The one who wouldn’t give up her alibi to the courts because she was a well known aerobic instructor and hid the fact that she was doing liposuction on her thighs while her husband was being murdered. She would have rather have gone to jail than to reveal her secret!
I didn’t kill my husband (g-d forbid) and didn’t lippo my thighs! What I did may seem small, but it was huge to me.
I would eat a bag of chocolate kisses, or a box of Entenmans chocolate chip cookies. I would buy Carvel on Wednesdays because it was buy one get one free and eat both! I was so down on myself because I am so educated in health and nutrition and didn’t want to put all that garbage into my body, yet I was constantly hurting myself with sugar laden foods.
I always felt like, “if they only knew” my gig would be up! I was hiding behind a mask. I felt as if my students were judging me. Even though they obviously were not. I was judging myself. I took myself to court everyday. And instead of being honest, I choose to go to jail. Jail of secrecy.
I was not overweight because all the rest of my meals were super healthy and my exercising habits were amazing. I knew I could keep my alibi.
On april 22, 2009 my life literally changed.

All because of the fact that I faced my worst fears. Comming clean in front of my students of whom I so badly wanted them to think I was perfect.
The day I had let go of the facade of being perfect was the day perfection started to come my way!
I introduced a “30 Day Sugar Detox” and confessed that I knew nothing about it.
I was learning with my students and was scared beyond belief. 30 days? It seemed like an eternity. Reflecting on that time, I could see that what I DID have was extremely powerful. Even more powerful then I was aware of.I HAD DESIRE.
My desire to rid sugar out of my life completely or until I knew I had it under control.(More about that next time)

I feel proud of my title.Group Movement Lifestyle Enthusiast. I know I deserve it from passed experiences. I am proud of my all my accomplishments. We all have “stuff” to work on. For some of us the DESIRE is stronger than others. But I know now, that if you have the DESIRE you will ACHIEVE anything you want.
I know that you can do “30 Day Sugar Detox Challenge!”
We are already on day 5!! Yay! You should feel proud already!
Some tips from feedback that I am receiving.
If you slip up-don t worry! Just get back on track. Make sure you have foods readily available.
The first time I did the challenge I was defiantly having withdrawals. My body was used to the sugar rush. I kept handy any snack that would keep me off cookies- like bananas, nuts, eggs. I am now accustomed to eating without needing that energy surge that sugar gives. My mood and energy level is more stable.
I hope my experience inspires YOU to make change for the better.

“If want what you never had, you have to do what you never done”

To my “Detox Buddies:”
I was absolutely successful on Day 5. Mind and body are feeling good.

If you need an e mail buddy, let me know!

Thank you Mary Setton for investigating our sushi dilemma. White rice sushi has sugar in it. Brown rice from the “sushi room” does NOT have sugar in its ingredients. Ask before you buy!

If anyone does any investigation of their own, e mail it to me and I will send it out.

To all those who did the “Sugar Detox” with me last year, can you pretty please with sugar on top- I mean Agave on top- send your story?
I will copy and paste it- everyone would for sure benefit.